Riverside Church's Famous Bell Tower To Reopen To Public

From CBS New York:

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The bells that have been heard peeling across Morningside Heights for nearly a century can soon be seen up close for the first time in more nearly 20 years.

Riverside's famous bell tower was closed to the public after 9/11. Now, it's being reopened.

“It really is a treat, and we’re excited to be able to allow folks up here again,” said Brian Simpson, the church’s director of communications.

The 392-foot tower, said to be the tallest steeple in North America, has breathtaking 360-degree views of the city — and all the way to New Jersey.

“This tour experience is really unique. The views are amazing. There’s no views like this,” Simpson said.

But it’s what’s inside the steeple that also takes your breath away — 74 bells that chime every 15 minutes. The smallest is just 10 pounds, but the biggest sets a world record.

“The 20-ton Bourdon bell is the largest tuned bell in the world. It’s huge. It’s just awe-inspiring when you’re standing next to it, seeing how big it is,” Simpson said.

The sounds of these historic symbols have never stopped blaring, but now for everyone you can see it to believe it once again.

Bell tower tours are given Wednesday through Saturday at 1 p.m. and visitors need to make a reservation.

For more information, visit trcnyc.org/tours